Zika Virus: What You Need to Know

Zika virus infection is not new. This virus was first discovered in 1947
in Zika Forest of Uganda, thus named Zika virus. Human cases first appearing
in 1952 in Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania. Sporadic outbreaks
have occurred since then, in Africa and Southeast Asia, with one of the
largest outbreaks occurring on the Pacific Island of Yap in 2007. The
virus then spread to French Polynesia, Easter Island, Cook Island, and
New Caledonia in 2013/2014.

In 2015, the virus spread to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In 2016 it spread to involve areas of Mexico, U.S. territories (American
Samoa, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands), as well as parts of South
Florida and Texas. Most recently, new cases have been diagnosed in Southeast Asia.

Important notice: Pregnant women should avoid all non-essential travel
to areas with Zika.

Map of Areas with Zika Risk

(Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Transmission

Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquito which tend to bite in the daytime

Sexual transmission (male to partner; female to partner)

Via blood transfusion, lab exposure, organ/tissue transplantation

Maternal/fetal: intrauterine/perinatal

Symptoms

Most patients are asymptomatic. However, those with symptoms may have:
Fever, Headaches, Muscle aches, Joint pains, rash, and red eyes. Symptoms
usually last around 4-7 days.

Complications

Microcephaly: condition where infants head is significantly smaller than normal

Fetal loss

Guillian Barre Syndrome -- an autoimmune neurological complication

Prevention

Use mosquito repellents and avoid mosquito bites for three weeks upon return

Avoid standing/activities near stagnant water

Abstinence or male condom use is recommended after travel to risk area: